Awards

New York – Ann Inc., the parent company of Ann Taylor and Loft, has been named a recipient of the 2014 Gallup Great Workplace Award. This award recognizes organizations around the world for having the most highly engaged work environments.

Downers Grove, Ill. – Net income dropped 14.5% at FTD Inc. to $4.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 from $5.5 million in the same period the prior year. Costs related to FTD’s planned purchase of Provide Commerce were primarily responsible for the decline in net income.

Brooklyn, N.Y. -- Home furnishings retailer West Elm is launching what it calls “We Love Local Small Business Grant” contest, designed to support U.S.-based artists, makers and designers as they grow and scale their businesses.

The contest launches Aug. 12 with open online submissions, followed by in-store portfolio reviews in five stores across the country. The public will vote online for one of 20 finalists selected by West Elm, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 19.

Irving, Texas - The Michaels Companies Inc. has recognized Polygroup Limited as its overall Vendor of the Year for product innovation, customer education and inspiration, quality products, and efficiency in supply chain. Michaels has also named Con-way Truckload as domestic transportation Supply Chain Partner of the Year and Kintetsu World Express Inc. as international Supply Chain Partner of the Year.

Eleven vendor and supply chain partners were recognized for their contributions to Michaels' success over the past year.

Polygroup Limited, Chartpak and Tru Vue were among the trading partners and service providers recognized by The Michaels Companies as Partners of the Year.
 
The arts and crafts retailers held a gala event in Dallas on August 7 and singled out 11 companies who demonstrated a commitment to surpassing expectations and continually providing excellence in service, quality and innovation.
 

Boulder, Colo. -- Cheesecake Factory is North America’s favorite casual-dining chain, according to a study by Market Force Information. More than 6,100 consumers were polled for the study, which ranks the top restaurant chains in five categories: general menu, breakfast, steak, Italian and seafood. Cheesecake Factory was tops in the general menu category, receiving high marks for quality of food, healthiness of food and atmosphere.
 

This year, the National Retail Federation has chosen Chicago’s Art Potash, owner of Potash Markets, as its first Retail Champion of the Year. Potash was recognized at NRF’s annual Retail Advocates summit on Capitol Hill.

Electronics company Vizio has kicked off a back-to-school contest for college students that will furnish a winner with electronics and $2,000 toward tuition and books.

The company is encouraging students to upload videos of themselves explaining a story of determination to Vizio’s website through Aug. 19.